The former West Ham, Aston Villa and Bolton man joined the Whitecaps prior to the 2013 MLS season and has already made a big impact both on and off the pitch according to 20-year old Teibert who is using Reo-Coker’s experience as an education tool for his own game.

“I’ve been reinventing myself,” Teibert told Vancouver radio station TEAM 1410 .

“I’ve been working a lot off the field and doing a lot of work on the side. I’ve changed my game a lot.

“He’s (Reo-Coker) a mentor on and off the field. You learn so many lessons from him – how he carries himself as a pro off the field, and how he comes into training – how he’s the first one there and usually the last one to leave. He’s a great pro and a great mentor that I definitely look up to.”

And Reo-Coker said he was enjoying working closely with Canadian international Teibert who has been with the Whitecaps since 2008 when he was part of the residency program.

“I look at Russell as my brother,” Reo-Coker said. “That kid is a fantastic kid. I spend a lot of time with him on and off the field. The enthusiasm he has, the ability he has, is fantastic. I’d put my career on it – Russell could go and play in Europe. He’s that good. I believe in him that much.”